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reasonsforhope · 8 months ago

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is, by some measures, the most popular leader in the world. Prior to the 2024 election, his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held an outright majority in the Lok Sabha (India’s Parliament) — one that was widely projected to grow after the vote count. The party regularly boasted that it would win 400 Lok Sabha seats, easily enough to amend India’s constitution along the party's preferred Hindu nationalist lines.

But when the results were announced on Tuesday, the BJP held just 240 seats. They not only underperformed expectations, they actually lost their parliamentary majority. While Modi will remain prime minister, he will do so at the helm of a coalition government — meaning that he will depend on other parties to stay in office, making it harder to continue his ongoing assault on Indian democracy.

So what happened? Why did Indian voters deal a devastating blow to a prime minister who, by all measures, they mostly seem to like?

India is a massive country — the most populous in the world — and one of the most diverse, making its internal politics exceedingly complicated. A definitive assessment of the election would require granular data on voter breakdown across caste, class, linguistic, religious, age, and gender divides. At present, those numbers don’t exist in sufficient detail.

But after looking at the information that is available and speaking with several leading experts on Indian politics, there are at least three conclusions that I’m comfortable drawing.

First, voters punished Modi for putting his Hindu nationalist agenda ahead of fixing India’s unequal economy. Second, Indian voters had some real concerns about the decline of liberal democracy under BJP rule. Third, the opposition parties waged a smart campaign that took advantage of Modi’s vulnerabilities on the economy and democracy.

Understanding these factors isn’t just important for Indians. The country’s election has some universal lessons for how to beat a would-be authoritarian — ones that Americans especially might want to heed heading into its election in November.

-via Vox, June 7, 2024. Article continues below.

A new (and unequal) economy

Modi’s biggest and most surprising losses came in India’s two most populous states: Uttar Pradesh in the north and Maharashtra in the west. Both states had previously been BJP strongholds — places where the party’s core tactic of pitting the Hindu majority against the Muslim minority had seemingly cemented Hindu support for Modi and his allies.

One prominent Indian analyst, Yogendra Yadav, saw the cracks in advance. Swimming against the tide of Indian media, he correctly predicted that the BJP would fall short of a governing majority.

Traveling through the country, but especially rural Uttar Pradesh, he prophesied “the return of normal politics”: that Indian voters were no longer held spellbound by Modi’s charismatic nationalist appeals and were instead starting to worry about the way politics was affecting their lives.

Yadav’s conclusions derived in no small part from hearing voters’ concerns about the economy. The issue wasn’t GDP growth — India’s is the fastest-growing economy in the world — but rather the distribution of growth’s fruits. While some of Modi’s top allies struck it rich, many ordinary Indians suffered. Nearly half of all Indians between 20 and 24 are unemployed; Indian farmers have repeatedly protested Modi policies that they felt hurt their livelihoods.

“Everyone was talking about price rise, unemployment, the state of public services, the plight of farmers, [and] the struggles of labor,” Yadav wrote...

“We know for sure that Modi’s strongman image and brassy self-confidence were not as popular with voters as the BJP assumed,” says Sadanand Dhume, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who studies India.

The lesson here isn’t that the pocketbook concerns trump identity-based appeals everywhere; recent evidence in wealthier democracies suggests the opposite is true. Rather, it’s that even entrenched reputations of populist leaders are not unshakeable. When they make errors, even some time ago, it’s possible to get voters to remember these mistakes and prioritize them over whatever culture war the populist is peddling at the moment.

Liberalism strikes back

The Indian constitution is a liberal document: It guarantees equality of all citizens and enshrines measures designed to enshrine said equality into law. The signature goal of Modi’s time in power has been to rip this liberal edifice down and replace it with a Hindu nationalist model that pushes non-Hindus to the social margins. In pursuit of this agenda, the BJP has concentrated power in Modi’s hands and undermined key pillars of Indian democracy (like a free press and independent judiciary).

Prior to the election, there was a sense that Indian voters either didn’t much care about the assault on liberal democracy or mostly agreed with it. But the BJP’s surprising underperformance suggests otherwise.

The Hindu, a leading Indian newspaper, published an essential post-election data analysis breaking down what we know about the results. One of the more striking findings is that the opposition parties surged in parliamentary seats reserved for members of “scheduled castes” — the legal term for Dalits, the lowest caste grouping in the Hindu hierarchy.

Caste has long been an essential cleavage in Indian politics, with Dalits typically favoring the left-wing Congress party over the BJP (long seen as an upper-caste party). Under Modi, the BJP had seemingly tamped down on the salience of class by elevating all Hindus — including Dalits — over Muslims. Yet now it’s looking like Dalits were flocking back to Congress and its allies. Why?

According to experts, Dalit voters feared the consequences of a BJP landslide. If Modi’s party achieved its 400-seat target, they’d have more than enough votes to amend India’s constitution. Since the constitution contains several protections designed to promote Dalit equality — including a first-in-the-world affirmative action system — that seemed like a serious threat to the community. It seems, at least based on preliminary data, that they voted accordingly.

The Dalit vote is but one example of the ways in which Modi’s brazen willingness to assail Indian institutions likely alienated voters.

Uttar Pradesh (UP), India’s largest and most electorally important state, was the site of a major BJP anti-Muslim campaign. It unofficially kicked off its campaign in the UP city of Ayodhya earlier this year, during a ceremony celebrating one of Modi’s crowning achievements: the construction of a Hindu temple on the site of a former mosque that had been torn down by Hindu nationalists in 1992.

Yet not only did the BJP lose UP, it specifically lost the constituency — the city of Faizabad — in which the Ayodhya temple is located. It’s as direct an electoral rebuke to BJP ideology as one can imagine.

In Maharashtra, the second largest state, the BJP made a tactical alliance with a local politician, Ajit Pawar, facing serious corruption charges. Voters seemingly punished Modi’s party for turning a blind eye to Pawar’s offenses against the public trust. Across the country, Muslim voters turned out for the opposition to defend their rights against Modi’s attacks.

The global lesson here is clear: Even popular authoritarians can overreach.

By turning “400 seats” into a campaign slogan, an all-but-open signal that he intended to remake the Indian state in his illiberal image, Modi practically rang an alarm bell for constituencies worried about the consequences. So they turned out to stop him en masse.

The BJP’s electoral underperformance is, in no small part, the direct result of their leader’s zealotry going too far.

Return of the Gandhis?

Of course, Modi’s mistakes might not have mattered had his rivals failed to capitalize. The Indian opposition, however, was far more effective than most observers anticipated.

Perhaps most importantly, the many opposition parties coordinated with each other. Forming a united bloc called INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), they worked to make sure they weren’t stealing votes from each other in critical constituencies, positioning INDIA coalition candidates to win straight fights against BJP rivals.

The leading party in the opposition bloc — Congress — was also more put together than people thought. Its most prominent leader, Rahul Gandhi, was widely dismissed as a dilettante nepo baby: a pale imitation of his father Rajiv and grandmother Indira, both former Congress prime ministers. Now his critics are rethinking things.

“I owe Rahul Gandhi an apology because I seriously underestimated him,” says Manjari Miller, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Miller singled out Gandhi’s yatras (marches) across India as a particularly canny tactic. These physically grueling voyages across the length and breadth of India showed that he wasn’t just a privileged son of Indian political royalty, but a politician willing to take risks and meet ordinary Indians where they were. During the yatras, he would meet directly with voters from marginalized groups and rail against Modi’s politics of hate.

“The persona he’s developed — as somebody kind, caring, inclusive, [and] resolute in the face of bullying — has really worked and captured the imagination of younger India,” says Suryanarayan. “If you’ve spent any time on Instagram Reels, [you’ll see] an entire generation now waking up to Rahul Gandhi’s very appealing videos.”

This, too, has a lesson for the rest of the world: Tactical innovation from the opposition matters even in an unfair electoral context.

There is no doubt that, in the past 10 years, the BJP stacked the political deck against its opponents. They consolidated control over large chunks of the national media, changed campaign finance law to favor themselves, suborned the famously independent Indian Electoral Commission, and even intimidated the Supreme Court into letting them get away with it.

The opposition, though, managed to find ways to compete even under unfair circumstances. Strategic coordination between them helped consolidate resources and ameliorate the BJP cash advantage. Direct voter outreach like the yatra helped circumvent BJP dominance in the national media.

To be clear, the opposition still did not win a majority. Modi will have a third term in office, likely thanks in large part to the ways he rigged the system in his favor.

Yet there is no doubt that the opposition deserves to celebrate. Modi’s power has been constrained and the myth of his invincibility wounded, perhaps mortally. Indian voters, like those in Brazil and Poland before them, have dealt a major blow to their homegrown authoritarian faction.

And that is something worth celebrating.

-via Vox, June 7, 2024.

#india #narendra modi #pm modi #modi #bjp #lok sabha elections #rahul gandhi #democracy #2024 elections #authoritarianism #anti authoritarian #good news #hope

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beardedmrbean · 4 months ago

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The murder of a politician in a bustling area in India's Mumbai city has sent shockwaves across the country.

Baba Ziauddin Siddique, 66, was shot on Saturday night near his carwhile he was leaving his son's office. He died later in hospital.

The killing of Siddique, an influential politician who was part of the coalition governing Maharashtra state - of which Mumbai is the capital - has set off a political blame-game.

The motive for the murder is not clear yet, but for many it has brought back memories of the 1990s, when politicians and film stars were frequently targeted by Mumbai's underworld.

Police have arrested three people so far and say investigations are continuing. Local media reports say the arrested men are part of a notorious gang whose leader is currently in jail.

Who was Baba Siddique?

Born in the eastern state of Bihar, Siddique migrated to Mumbai at the age of five with his father, a watchmaker.

He started his political career in the 1980s as a student leader with the Congress party, soon leading its youth wing in Mumbai. He then entered local council politics before being elected to the state’s legislature three times in a row and becoming a minister in 2004 for about four years.

In February, he left the Congress to join the Nationalist Congress Party which, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena, currently governs state.

Apart from his political activities, Siddique also made headlines for his glitzy iftar parties held during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan which were attended by top Bollywood stars.

It was at his iftar party in 2013 that superstars Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan ended their much-discussed rift with a hug - that propelled "the annual Siddique affair into a must-watch event on the city’s social calendar", Midday newspaper wrote in 2016.

How was Siddique killed?

The politician was shot outside his son’s office as he was about to enter his car in the busy Bandra area.

Police said three shooters fired six-seven rounds, hitting Siddique's abdomen and chest, and fled the scene. A bystander was also injured as a stray bullet hit his leg.

Investigators said they had recovered two pistols and 28 live rounds of ammunition from the arrested men.

Siddique had three police guards - local media reported his security was upgraded days ago - but the suspects reportedly distracted them by setting off a "smoke firecracker".

What is the state of the investigation?

Police have been granted custody of the arrested men for a week. They say they are on the lookout for their accomplices.

“We have set up 15 teams and investigation is on to identify who provided logistical support to the shooters,” senior police official Datta Nalawade said.

While the police have not confirmed it, several reports citing sources have linked the arrested men with the notorious Bishnoi gang. The gang's leader Lawrence Bishnoi is an accused in several cases and is currently in a high-security prison in Gujarat state.

Within hours of the shooting, a man claiming to be a member of the gang posted on Facebook that they were behind Siddique’s killing. Police have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the post.

Though Bishnoi has been in jail since 2015, he frequently makes news. Many social media accounts claiming to belong to him or his associates have often posted his selfies from jail. He even gave interviews to a TV channel in 2022, prompting an investigation.

Many of the reports on Bishnoi are based on police sources and it’s not clear how he conducts the gang's operations while in prison.

The gang's name popped up in connection with the murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

In April, police arrested two gang members for allegedly firing shots outside the apartment of actor Salman Khan in Mumbai.

On Monday, the Canadian police also said it believed the Bishnoi group had connections to Indian government agents who were using the gang to target Sikh separatists on their soil. India has not officially responded to the police claims.

What else has happened?

Siddique’s killing is the first major assassination of a politician in Mumbai since the 1990s when high-profile killings of politicians, businessmen and Bollywood celebrities by criminal gangs of the Mumbai underworld were not uncommon.

Local media reports said he had received a death threat two weeks ago, which led to his security being upgraded.

His killing within days of that has put the state government on the backfoot, with Maharashtra set to hold assembly elections soon.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the murder “a complete failure of law and order in Maharashtra”, and Delhi's former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said the incident had scared not only the people of Maharashtra “but the entire country”.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde has defended his government.

“[The culprits] will not be spared no matter who they are, be it the Bishnoi gang or any underworld gang… Those who are receiving threats, their safety is the state government’s responsibility and it will fulfil its responsibility,” he said.

#nunyas news

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news365timesindia · 2 months ago

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[ad_1] GG News Bureau Mumbai, 5th Dec. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening, bringing an end to nearly two weeks of political uncertainty and power struggles between the BJP and Shiv Sena. Eknath Shinde, leader of the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, maintaining the 1+2 formula with a significant shift in favor of Fadnavis. The ceremony, which took place at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan, was attended by several political dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states. The trio of Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar later paid floral tributes to Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Mantralaya, Maharashtra’s government headquarters. Fadnavis also signed his first file as Chief Minister, initiating a medical assistance cheque. Fadnavis, a six-time MLA, is now serving as the Chief Minister for the third time, fulfilling a promise he made years ago. His political journey saw a dramatic shift in 2019 when, despite winning the election, he was ousted from the Chief Minister’s office after the Shiv Sena broke its alliance with the BJP. However, Fadnavis never gave up on his return, famously stating, “Paani utarta dekh, mere kinare par ghar mat basa lena. Main samandar hoon, lautkar wapas aaunga.” Thursday’s swearing-in marked the culmination of BJP’s strategy of destabilizing the Shiv Sena and NCP, resulting in a resounding victory for the Mahayuti alliance. The alliance secured 235 seats in the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, with BJP emerging as the single-largest party with 132 seats. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, saw a dramatic decline, winning only 49 seats. In the aftermath of the elections, the political dynamics in Maharashtra shifted, with both Shinde and Ajit Pawar’s factions playing crucial roles in the re-alignment. Shinde’s Sena claimed 57 seats, but with the NCP’s backing, the BJP was able to claim the Chief Minister’s position. However, Shinde’s faction continued to stake a claim on the top post for days, creating uncertainty over the final outcome. The delay was attributed to internal party negotiations, with Shinde reportedly seeking key cabinet positions, including the crucial Home Ministry, currently held by Fadnavis. Following intense deliberations, Shinde and Pawar eventually joined Fadnavis, finalizing the new Maharashtra government. While the final cabinet distribution remains uncertain, sources indicate that Shinde’s faction is likely to secure prominent portfolios, including Water Resources and Public Works Department, in the new government. The political maneuvering continues, but the BJP’s dominance in Maharashtra’s power structure is clear with Fadnavis at the helm once again. The post Devendra Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra CM, Shinde and Pawar Join as Deputies appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

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news365times · 2 months ago

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qualitylightthing · 2 months ago

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Maharashtra CM Oath Ceremony Updates: Fadnavis to Take Oath as CM, Shinde’s Role Still Unclear

The political bigwigs in Maharashtra are gearing up for a new drama as the state waits for the much-awaited ceremony of Chief Minister (CM). The information received today shows that Devendra Fadnavis will soon be the CM of Maharashtra. Still, it has left a mystery whether Eknath Shinde will participate in the new government or not.

Political drama prior to the oath taking ceremony

The political map of Maharashtra too has seen much movement and strategies coming to change and replace the other one day. The major political realignment had occurred in Maharashtra because the BJP and the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena formed the government. This occurred after Uddhav Thackeray had offered his resignation from the CM’s chair, due to a coup within the fold of the Shiv Sena by Shinde.

Chief ministerial candidate comes as more of a surprise: While Maharashtra has several experienced BJP leaders, Devendra Fadnavis, the two term former CM and currently an MLA from Nagpur has emerged clearly as the BJP’s choice for the post. But personal equations between Fadnavis and Shinde are still uncertain and full of suspense. It is expected that very soon Fadnavis will be sworn in as Chief Minister but there is a lot of speculation as to what role Shinde will play in the new government.

Devendra Fadnavis: A Trusted Leader

Devendra Fadnavis, credited with good administrative and political abilities to handle Bombay’s top post, has been one of the leading lights of Maharashtra politics. As CM from 2014 to 2019, he launched schemes based on developing infrastructure, increasing urbanization, and industrialization. He was stable and forward moving especially during the BJP’s alliance with the Shiv Sena.

The BJP’s move to dub Fadnavis as the chief ministerial candidate might have put the party’s faith in him to govern Maharashtra during this politically volatile period. Such a person should have lots of experience and be popular among people; thus, it is J shaping the state for development and stability.

The Shinde Factor: A Waiting Game

The current political situation has been primarily spearheaded by Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena faction that is out of the Uddhav Thackeray lead faction. His rebellion along with the support of, about, two-thirds of the MLAs from Shiv Sena led to the disintegration of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

The fact also remains uncertain as to what formal position Shinde will occupy in the government of the day. While some people have suggested that he is likely to be given a large role these incidents have also mentioned the possibility of BJP sharing power with the Shinde faction. This has made political analysts and the citizens to be waiting at the tick for an official announcement to be made.

New Government: Issues for New Government

The incoming government will face several challenges, including:

Balancing Alliances: Balancing the alliance between two parties of BJP and Shinde faction will need proper calculation.

Economic Revival: From here it is visible that Maharashtra being a leading industrial and employment State requires concentrated efforts for revival from the set back that it has received due to the ongoing pandemic.

Infrastructure Projects: Such projects as metro, and highways, etc., those that have remained behind their completion schedule have to be expedited.

Farmer Welfare: Meeting concerns for agrarian crisis and farmer welfare will be significant in maintaining stability in the associated countryside.

Citizens’ Expectations

As Maharashtra prepares for this political change, the people equally expect the new dispensation to deliver on its campaigns. They are seeking sustainable management and overdoses, economy, and addresses these problems within employment, learning, and health.

What Lies Ahead

The Maharashtra CM oath ceremony will mark the beginning of a new political chapter in the state. While Devendra Fadnavis is expected to bring his leadership experience to the forefront, the role of Eknath Shinde and his faction will determine the government’s overall stability and functioning.

With suspense surrounding Shinde's position, political enthusiasts and citizens are closely following the developments. The coming days will reveal how the BJP and the Shinde faction align their goals to create a cohesive government.

FAQs:

Q1. Who is confirmed to be Maharashtra’s new Chief Minister? Devendra Fadnavis is set to take the oath as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Q2. What is the role of Eknath Shinde in the new government? It is still uncertain whether Eknath Shinde will be included in the government, and if so, what position he will hold.

Q3. Why is there so much uncertainty surrounding the new government? The uncertainty arises from the political realignment between BJP and the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, leading to speculation about how power will be shared.

Q4. What challenges will the new government face? The new government will need to balance alliances, revive the economy, expedite delayed infrastructure projects, and address farmer welfare concerns.

For more updates, check Devendra's CM Oath Final, Shinde's Inclusion Uncertain.

#MaharashtraCM #FadnavisShinde #PoliticalDrama

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werindialive · 2 months ago

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Late-Night Meeting in Delhi Sets Stage for Maharashtra’s New Leadership

A crucial meeting between the leaders of Maharashtra’s ruling alliance was held in Delhi late Thursday night. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar of the NCP attended the discussion. The meeting focused on finalizing the next Chief Minister and the cabinet structure, aiming to resolve any remaining disagreements before an official announcement.

Chief Minister’s Post: A Key Decision

Sources indicate that BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s position, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar likely to serve as his deputies. Shinde, addressing speculation about his role, said he would fully support the BJP’s decision. “I have told Prime Minister Modi that I will not be an obstacle. We will go with whatever decision is made,” Shinde stated, signaling his willingness to step down for Fadnavis if required.

The BJP is reportedly considering various factors, including caste dynamics. Fadnavis belongs to the Brahmin community, which had sparked debates in 2014 due to Maharashtra’s predominantly Maratha political base. Amit Shah has consulted senior leaders, including Vinod Tawde, to ensure the decision is well-received across communities.

Cabinet Distribution and Portfolios

The meeting also addressed the composition of the state cabinet. Maharashtra can have up to 42 ministers, and sources suggest the BJP could secure 22 portfolios, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) 12, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP 10. The BJP is expected to retain key departments like Home and Finance, while Sena and NCP will handle Public Works, Agriculture, and Cooperation.

This division reflects the seat-sharing arrangement from the previous election, where the BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats.

Challenges Ahead

While progress has been made, questions remain about Eknath Shinde’s future role. If Fadnavis is named Chief Minister, Shinde could either stay on as Deputy CM in Maharashtra or move to a position at the Centre. Sources within the Shiv Sena have suggested he will likely remain part of the state cabinet.

The BJP appears keen to resolve all issues before making a formal announcement. Political observers see this as an effort to ensure stability and avoid backlash, especially from Maratha leaders critical of Fadnavis in the past.

An official announcement on the Chief Minister and cabinet structure is expected after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s final approval. The ruling alliance is preparing to focus on governance and upcoming elections once the leadership structure is in place.

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#werindia #leading india news source #top news stories #top news headlines #top news of the day #latest national news #Indian politics #latest politics news #political news #Indian politicians #politics news

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hindustanmorning · 3 months ago

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Ajit Pawar risked it, BJP objected, Nawab Malik chosen in Mumbai

The NCP has ultimately granted Nawab Malik a ticket for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The top official also submitted his nomination on Tuesday afternoon. Malik has been chosen as the NCP candidate for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar assembly constituency, where he will be competing against Abu Asim Azmi, the Maharashtra chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP). Ajit Pawar’s faction leader Nawab Malik…

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collegelives · 1 year ago

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Day After Quitting Congress, Ashok Chavan To Join BJP Today

A day after he quit the Congress, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is set to join the BJP later today. "Today around 12-12:30, I am going to start a new journey of my political career, I am going to join BJP," Mr Chavan told news agency ANI.

He had yesterday told the media that he will take a decision on his next step in a couple of days. Deputy Chief Minister and the state's top BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, it is learnt, will welcome Mr Chavan into the party. Mr Chavan's aide Amar Rajurkar, who resigned as MLC with him, will also join the BJP today.

Sources have said the former Chief Minister may be offered a Rajya Sabha seat. That would also explain his decision to join the BJP a day after he resigned from the Congress and the Assembly: time for filing nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls is running out.

"I have resigned from the Assembly membership as an MLA. I have given my resignation to the Speaker. I have resigned from the Congress Working Committee and the Congress primary membership. I have not decided to join any party. I will clear my stand on joining a party after two days," Mr Chavan had told reporters yesterday.

Mr Chavan's exit is yet another blow to Maharashtra Congress months ahead of state polls and the general election. Earlier, key Congress leader, Milind Deora, quit the party and joined the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. Baba Siddique too left and moved to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.

According to Congress sources, Mr Chavan's differences with state party chief Nana Patole played a key role in his decision. Speaking to the media yesterday, he had suggested that he was upset over the delay in finalising seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with just months left for the polls.

Mumbai Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said that the former Chief Minister was upset over the working style of a Congress leader in Maharashtra. He did not name any leader. "He (Chavan) had approached the top leadership. Had his complaint been taken seriously, this situation would not have happened," Mr Nirupam said.

Congress leaders have taken swipes at Mr Chavan following his decision. Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh took a "washing machine" jab -- washing machine is an oft-repeated reference the Congress uses to accuse the BJP of stalling criminal investigations against Opposition leaders who switch to their side.

"When friends and colleagues leave a political party that has given them much -- perhaps much more they deserved -- it is always a matter of anguish. But to those who are vulnerable THAT Washing Machine will always prove more attractive than ideological commitment or personal loyalties," Mr Ramesh said. "These betrayers don't realise that their exit opens up vast new opportunities to those whose growth they have always stunted," he added.

Maharashtra Congress chief Patole said it is "unfortunate that leaders who have got everything are leaving the Congress party and ideology".

The son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, Ashok Chavan wields significant influence in Nanded region. His exit comes at a time when the Maha Vikas Aghadi -- comprising the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, the Sharad Pawar camp of NCP and the Congress -- faces two tall poll challenges.

Ashok Chavan has had an eventful political journey so far. Starting out as a student leader during his college days, he went on to hold key posts in the Congress, including Maharashtra Congress chief and a member of the Congress Working Committee. He has served as an MP from Nanded on two occasions and been a member of both Houses of the state legislature.

After serving as state minister, he was chosen for the Chief Minister post after Vilasrao Deshmukh stepped down in the aftermath of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. The Congress retained him on the top post after the 2009 state polls. The stint was, however, short as Mr Chavan was forced to step down amid corruption allegations related to the Adarsh Housing Society scam.

#AshokChavan #ashokchavanquitscongress #ashokchavannews

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internationalnewz · 1 year ago

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Former Maharashtra Chief Minister, Ashok Chavan, Joins BJP After Parting Ways with Congress

In a significant political development, Ashok Chavan, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today, just a day after announcing his resignation from the Congress. A prominent figure for the Congress in the politically crucial state, Chavan was welcomed into the BJP fold by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state party chief, Chandrashekhar Bawankul.

Sources indicate that Mr. Chavan is set to file nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election tomorrow. The urgency of the nomination deadline played a pivotal role in his swift transition from the Congress to the BJP, as per the sources.

While addressing the media yesterday, Chavan had initially hinted at taking a few days to decide on his political future. However, this morning, he surprised many by announcing his immediate entry into a new political journey with the BJP.

The departure of Ashok Chavan marks another setback for the Maharashtra Congress, coming just months ahead of state polls and the general election. Earlier, prominent Congress leader Milind Deora left the party to join the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and Baba Siddique shifted allegiance to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.

Congress insiders suggest that Chavan’s decision was influenced by his differences with state party chief Nana Patole. Yesterday, he expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed finalization of seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, raising concerns just months before the polls.

Sanjay Nirupam, a leader of Mumbai Congress, stated that Chavan was upset with the working style of a Congress leader in Maharashtra, without naming anyone specific. Nirupam remarked that Chavan had approached the top leadership, implying that his concerns were not adequately addressed, leading to the current situation.

In response to Chavan’s departure, Congress leaders have not held back from criticizing him. Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh took a veiled swipe, using the metaphor of a “washing machine” — a term often employed by Congress to accuse the BJP of impeding criminal investigations against opposition leaders who switch sides.

Ramesh expressed anguish over the departure of colleagues from the party, highlighting the allure of certain benefits over ideological commitment or personal loyalties. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole lamented the situation, emphasizing the unfortunate departure of leaders who have received everything from the Congress party and its ideology.

#Ashok Chavan #ashok chavan quits congress #Ashok Chavan joins BJP

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currentmediasstuff · 1 year ago

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Ashok Chavan Latest To Quit Congress After Milind Deora, Baba Siddique

In a big blow to the Congress in Maharashtra months ahead of the general election and state polls, former chief minister and former MP Ashok Chavan resigned from the party's primary membership amid reports that he was in talks with the BJP. The senior leader may get a ticket to the Rajya Sabha, according to sources.

Mr Chavan, who represents Bhokar in the Assembly, met Speaker Rahul Narvekar and handed in his resignation. If he joins the BJP, it will be the second big switchover in Maharashtra after Congress leader Milind Deora quit the party last month and joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Earlier, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been asked if Mr Chavan is joining the party. "I heard about Ashok Chavan from media. But only thing I can say now is that several good leaders from Congress are in touch of BJP. Those leaders who are connected with the masses are feeling suffocated in Congress. I am confident that some big faces will join Congress," he had then said.

According to Congress sources, Mr Chavan's differences with state party chief Nana Patole on selection of candidates may have played a major role in his decision to switch sides.

Son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, Ashok Chavan wields significant influence in the Nanded region and this switch may hurt the Congress in the upcoming polls. This also plays out against the backdrop of the tall poll challenge facing the Maha Vikas Aghadi -- comprising the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, the Sharad Pawar camp of NCP and the Congress.

Responding to Mr Chavan's decision, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a "washing machine" jab -- washing machine is an oft-repeated reference the Congress uses to accuse the BJP of stalling criminal investigations against Opposition leaders who switch to their side.

When friends and colleagues leave a political party that has given them much — perhaps much more they deserved—it is always a matter of anguish. But to those who are vulnerable THAT Washing Machine will always prove more attractive than ideological commitment or personal loyalties," Mr Ramesh said. "These betrayers don't realise that their exit opens up vast new opportunities to those whose growth they have always stunted," he added.

#AshokChavan #MaharashtraCongress #MaharashtraCongressNews

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argus-news · 1 year ago

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Scandal Unfolds: Rohan Jaitley, DDCA President, Faces Serious Allegations Amidst Factional Strife

In a shocking turn of events, Rohan Jaitley, the president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) and son of the late Union Minister Arun Jaitley, finds himself ensnared in a web of serious allegations, including charges of sexual abuse and financial impropriety. The scandal, rocking the DDCA, has further exposed the deep divisions within the association.

The controversy erupted on February 22 when a woman, known to Jaitley, filed a complaint with top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In her detailed complaint, she accused the DDCA chief of exploiting his official position to solicit both sexual and financial favors. A second complaint has now surfaced, with a Mumbai-based model leveling grave allegations of sexual abuse against Jaitley. The latter complaint, submitted to the BCCI's POSH Committee (Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment) on July 19, adds another layer of complexity to the already turbulent situation.

Notably, neither of the complainants has taken the matter to the police thus far. Despite the gravity of the accusations, sources close to Jaitley dismiss them as falsehoods orchestrated by DDCA members who faced defeat in recent cricket body elections. According to these sources, the absence of legal action indicates the baselessness of the charges.

However, the allegations don't end there. Former Additional Solicitor General Vikas Singh has sent a scathing email to Jaitley, accusing him of attempting to manipulate competition and favor a specific architectural firm for major contractual jobs within the DDCA, particularly those related to the World Cup matches scheduled to be held in Delhi this year.

The DDCA, already a bitterly divided entity, is witnessing a power struggle with celebrity cricketers and prominent politicians vying for control. As Delhi braces itself for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in October-November, the drama within the DDCA is expected to intensify.

In another political arena, the Pawar family and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are grappling with internal strife. The splinter group, led by Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel, is in talks with BJP leadership about potential collaboration. Despite the discussions, Ajit and Praful are reportedly attempting to convince Sharad Pawar to switch allegiance from Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Meetings between the breakaway leaders and Sharad Pawar have taken place, where they conveyed the BJP's offer, which includes induction into the Union Cabinet with a significant portfolio and a respectable share of seats in upcoming elections. However, post-split surveys indicate that the NCP's voter base remains largely loyal to the senior Pawar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to have conceded to the demands of the NCP breakaway group but is yet to make a final offer to Sharad Pawar. The political game in Maharashtra continues as the state navigates the intricate dynamics leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

#Rohan Jaitley #SDDCA #BCCI #Sharad Pawar #Praful Patel #Ajit Pawar

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news365timesindia · 2 months ago

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[ad_1] GG News Bureau Mumbai, 5th Dec. Eknath Shinde was sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister on Thursday evening, officially ending nearly two weeks of political suspense and speculation. The Shiv Sena leader, who had previously been in a tug-of-war with the BJP over the Chief Minister’s position, accepted the role of Devendra Fadnavis’ deputy after conceding to the BJP’s claim to the top job. In an event filled with political drama, Shinde was administered the oath shortly after Fadnavis, but added a twist to the ceremony. He veered off-script, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. Shinde’s unexpected speech lasted 40 seconds before he was gently corrected by Governor CP Radhakrishnan, who was standing by to read the oath. “I will serve Maharashtra to the best of my ability,” Shinde stated, emphasizing his commitment to the state and his respect for the party’s legacy. His speech also included a tribute to his political mentor, the late Anand Dighe. Despite the uncertainty leading up to the ceremony, sources close to Shinde suggested that his delay was an attempt to secure significant cabinet roles in the new government. The negotiations that solidified Fadnavis as Chief Minister reportedly left the Shinde faction with promises of key portfolios, including the coveted Home Ministry, which is currently held by Fadnavis. The Shinde Sena is also expected to take control of at least three other prominent portfolios, including Water Resources and the Public Works Department. Following the oath-taking ceremony, Shinde’s office announced plans to visit the memorials of Balasaheb Thackeray in Mumbai and Anand Dighe in Thane, further cementing his allegiance to the legacy of his party and mentors. Shinde’s acceptance of the Deputy CM position marks the culmination of a political saga, where the Shiv Sena’s internal divisions, as well as its realignment with the BJP, reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape. The post “I Will Serve Maharashtra”: Eknath Shinde Sworn in as Deputy CM appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

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news365times · 2 months ago

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